Residents Demand Action on Abandoned Property in Florence

News Summary

Residents on Ivanhoe Drive in Florence are urging city officials to take action on a vacant property that has been unmaintained for eight years. Community members express concerns over safety, sanitation, and the potential attraction of homeless individuals and drug activity. Despite city efforts to enforce property maintenance codes, challenges persist due to the owner’s location outside city jurisdiction. A civil citation has been issued, demanding repairs within 20 days, while frustration grows among neighbors over the prolonged issue and its effect on community quality.

Florence, S.C. – Residents on Ivanhoe Drive are urging city officials to take action regarding a derelict property located in the 600 block, which has been vacant and unmaintained for approximately eight years. Community member Tammy Broach raised alarms at a recent city council meeting, citing safety and sanitation issues linked to the property, which she believes could attract homeless individuals and drug activity.

The situation has escalated as Broach and her neighbors have made multiple calls to the city about the condition of the property. Broach described it as unsafe, unsanitary, and a significant nuisance to the community. This sentiment is echoed by other residents who worry about the negative impact the property is having on their neighborhood, particularly for families with children who live nearby.

In an effort to maintain community standards, the city of Florence adopted the International Property Maintenance Code, which regulates property conditions and maintenance. Florence City Manager Scotty Davis confirmed that city staff has been investigating this specific issue and issued a civil citation to the property owner in December. However, challenges arose as the owner resides in Society Hill, outside the city’s jurisdiction, complicating enforcement efforts.

To address these challenges, the city has sought assistance from Darlington County authorities in serving the summons to the property owner. The civil citation requires the owner to remedy existing violations—such as overgrown weeds and other maintenance issues—within 20 days. A hearing regarding the property was scheduled for April 2, with reports from the Florence Police Department indicating that multiple attempts to contact the owner had been made in March, all of which were unsuccessful.

City Manager Davis reassured residents that the city is actively working to resolve the ongoing issues surrounding the property. However, frustration is apparent among neighbors, who have expressed concerns about the property’s prolonged state and its detrimental effects on community quality. Broach characterized the building as a significant eyesore, which hampers the neighborhood’s overall attractiveness and livability.

Additionally, the Florence City Council has recently passed an ordinance aimed at addressing neglected properties, which includes a requirement for registering vacant and abandoned buildings. Violations of this new ordinance will incur fines ranging from $250 to $1,250. This broader initiative is part of the city’s focused efforts to improve community safety and tackle blight across the area.

As residents continue to advocate for action concerning the derelict property, city officials underscore their commitment to addressing property maintenance issues at both local and jurisdictional levels. The resolution of this situation could set a precedent for future handling of similar cases, as Florence works to enhance the safety and vitality of its neighborhoods.

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Additional Resources

• WPDE: Florence House Building Code Maintenance
• Google Search: Florence house building code maintenance
• WPDE: Florence Tougher on Abandoned Vacant Properties
• Wikipedia: Abandoned Property
• WWAY: Florence Impacted Neighbors
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Vacant Land
• SMDP: Los Angeles Vacant Housing Units
• Google News: Florence abandoned property